Journal of Structural Technology (e-ISSN: 2581-950X) (p-ISSN: 3049-3382)

Comparative Analysis and Design of Tapered Section Used in Pre-Engineered Building

2026-07-22T11:04:34+00:00

Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) have emerged as an efficient alternative to conventional steel structures due to their optimized material usage, reduced self-weight, and faster construction. This study presents a comparative analysis and design of tapered sections used in PEB portal frames to evaluate the influence of rafter break point location on structural behaviour. Five different structural models were developed using STAAD.Pro with identical geometry, loading conditions, and design criteria in accordance with ARE 800:2007, IS 875, and ARE 1893:2016. Among the five models, Model I was designed strictly based on bending moment requirements, while the remaining models were configured with varying rafter break points without strict adherence to moment-based design. The analysis includes evaluation of key parameters such as frame weight, bending moment, and support reactions under dead, live, wind, and seismic loads. The results indicate that Model I achieves the minimum structural weight, demonstrating efficient material utilization, whereas Model IV provides improved overall structural performance with better force distribution. It is observed that variation in rafter break point significantly affects bending moment distribution and structural efficiency, while support reactions remain nearly constant across all models. The study concludes that bending moment-based design is essential for achieving economical and optimized PEB structures, while intermediate tapering configurations can enhance overall performance.

Mechanism-Guided Design of Rubber–Fiber Hybrid Concrete for Structural Resilience

2026-05-12T09:04:41+00:00

Problem: The incorporation of recycled rubber and fibers in concrete typically reduces compressive strength, limiting structural applications and creating a perception of inferior performance.

Method: This study introduces a stress-modifying mesoscale phase in the form of a pre-mixed rubber–fiber hybrid (CRH) composite, designed as a network of stress modifiers. The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is redefined as a graded energy-dissipation region to enhance crack deflection and stress redistribution. A mechanism-based volumetric mix design approach is adopted instead of conventional percentage replacement. Performance is evaluated using novel indices: Flexural Strength Recovery Index (FSRI), Stress Redistribution Efficiency (SRE), and Energy Dissipation Potential Index (EDPI) for M30 and M40 concretes.

Key Results: Results demonstrate non-monotonic strength recovery, improved stress redistribution, and enhanced energy absorption. Moderate-to-high CRH inclusion optimizes stress transfer, while higher inclusion levels significantly improve energy dissipation, making the composite suitable for fatigue- and damage-prone structural applications.

Conclusion: The findings establish a function-based design framework for rubber–fiber hybrid concrete, shifting focus from strength loss to performance enhancement. However, the study is limited by the absence of full-scale seismic and fatigue testing, indicating scope for future validation.

Multi-Functional Self-Healing Concrete with Self-Sensing and Autonomous Structural Health Monitoring Capabilities

2026-07-24T11:09:44+00:00

The current research work aims to develop self-healing concrete with improved mechanical properties, durability, self-sensing ability, and structural health monitoring capabilities using bacterial self-healing materials, crystalline materials, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Twenty formulations of self-healing concrete were prepared based on varying the bacterial density, crystalline material dosages, and MWCNT contents. The best-performing formulation (M14) was found to have a compressive strength of 43.80 MPa and flexural strength of 6.12 MPa, which are an improvement of 39.05% and 46.41%, respectively, compared to the control concrete. An improvement in terms of durability was also observed, wherein water absorption, sorptivity, rapid chloride permeability, weight loss due to acid attack, sulphate-induced strength reduction, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and rebound hammer strength are 2.96%, 0.91 × 10⁻⁴ mm/s½, 1328 Coulombs, 3.61%, 3.05%, 5.06 km/s, and 43.64 MPa, respectively, implying excellent matrix integrity and surface hardness. The combined effects of microbe-based calcium carbonate formation, crystallization, and MWCNTs resulted in a tough and durable cementitious matrix with efficient crack healing capability.

Assessment of Earthquake Performance of Irregular Building Structures

2026-07-16T07:20:33+00:00

Rapid urbanization has led to the construction of an increasing number of high-rise buildings, making seismic safety a critical aspect of structural design. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of building geometry on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings by comparing symmetrical and asymmetrical plan configurations. A 10-storey RC building with L-shaped, T-shaped, and Y-shaped layouts was modelled and analyzed using ETABS in accordance with IS 1893 (Part 1): 2002. The Equivalent Static Method was adopted to determine the seismic response, and key parameters, including lateral displacement, base shear, storey drift, storey shear, and seismic coefficients, were evaluated. The results indicate that building shape has a significant effect on seismic behaviour, with asymmetrical configurations exhibiting greater lateral displacement and storey drift than more regular layouts due to increased torsional effects. The study demonstrates that ETABS provides an efficient platform for seismic analysis and highlights the importance of considering plan geometry during the design stage to improve the earthquake resistance and overall structural performance of reinforced concrete buildings.